Intel launches 2GHz P4-M

Mobility allowance

Intel today launched a 2GHz version of the Pentium 4-M, its fastest mobile CPU to date. But it ain't cheap, priced at $637 for 1,000 units. The new 1.9GHz P4-M is a bit pricey too, tipping up at $401 in OEM quantities.

So it'll be a little while before either chip hits the mainstream - but maybe not too long the way Intel is managing production ramps right now. Also a 2.2GHz P4-M is scheduled for Q4, which will mean price cuts down the line to pave way for the new model.

Intel's mobile P4s for the mainstream are the 1.5GHz now costs $170, the 1.4GHz and 1.33GHz flavours cost $149 and $134. Intel is competing against AMD for the mass market space - and also itself. The desktop replacement brick-type budget notebooks which have taken the consumer market by storm, especially in the US, often deploy cheaper, but heavier power-consuming desktop P4s.

Intel reckons the market will swing to ultra-thin, ultra light notebooks, but calculations have been knocked skew-whiff by a: the unexpected surge in fat and cheap sales and b: the unexpected weakness in the corporate market, which will pay top dollar for top notebooks.

One day, forecasts and actuality will re-align; the ultra-thins, containing high-performance mobile P4s or Athlons will rule the notebook world. But not yet. ®